We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Antony J.  Bowman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Antony below.

Antony, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Being a freelance creative is by far the most challenging in my business. As an independent writer & director one has to invest so much time to secure an on-going foothold well before one is even considered – let alone paid! That said, it can work well for (say) TV writers being commissioned into a series or a studio screenwriter given the green light to write or have a spec script picked up. Basically, one is constantly working (unpaid) to feed what you think the current industry desires.
As I write this segment, actors and writers are on strike for a fairer “piece of the pie.”

Antony, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been in the film industry for quite a number of years and have witnessed the changes and made moves to embrace these… Some better than others! From film to digital was my first exciting transition. For years, film was always the most outstanding way to capture those images… Many filmmakers still lament its passing but for me, the extreme advances in digital photography has allowed me to be even more creative – and, most importantly, there is always the question of cost.
I shot my first film in Australian on Super16 format and then blew the image up to 35mm. The movie, I’m most known for “Paperback Hero” with Hugh Jackman was shot on 35mm.
Now living in the US – every other project I’ve either shot (or about to) will be captured on digital format.
My history: I studied at the London Film School, returned to Australia and worked my way up through the ranks. Starting in the art department, then into assistant directing, and then directing. That transition was an essential learning curve for me… You really must know what everyone else on the crew are responsible for. You’re a team!
Film school was wonderful – but learning on set was superb. (Quite often you learnt what NOT to do!)
For years I wrote and directed my own work and it is only now that I’ve totally embraced writing for other directors and producers. This has included adaptations from novels which I believe can be very rewarding. Suddenly, I’m more prolific!!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I made a movie in Australia called “Cappuccino” By chance on a trip to LA I met the legendary producer, Ed Feldman. Ed was an extremely open and generous man and, as it happened, really liked Australians – he produced “Witness” for director Peter Weir so that was a wonderful connection. Ed loved the movie I had made and thought it would make a terrific US remake. A story about 5 out-of-work actors trying to survive could work well in Manhattan. So, my wife and I packed our bags and did not have a hard time convincing our little daughter that Disneyland was waiting for her.
Many months go by and, as with any independent movie, it proved tricky to set up. Timing is always crucial. Ed, however (never one to give up on a wayward Aussie, asked what other projects I have written? Without hesitation, out came the script of “Paperback Hero” which was originally set in NYC and Nebraska. Ed loved it! Although it was eventually shot in outback Australia, he was totally instrumental in its creative path. That (believe it or not) took six years from start to finish.
As a footnote: The US version of “Cappuccino” was eventually made – it become, “Almost Broadway”
Last but not least, the never-ending support of my family has made everything possible. Next year, my wife, who is an actress, is going to be working with me and Isabella Rossellini on a movie in Italy called, “Arrivederci.”

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is always about storytelling. That’s what drives me. I truly wish I had written what follows but it sums me up: I write for the thing that lies to be born… Not for self – that would be self-serving, and certainly not for others for that would be pandering…
Screenwriters are so often “pigeon-holed” into a genre that apparently suits them – maybe they bring it upon themselves but I believe a good writer can create any kind of story.

Contact Info:

• Website: archerfilms.com